Toads are said to have been found in rocks. Such cases are rare,
but it would be as unreasonable to doubt them as to believe
in some of the miraculous explanations that have been made of
the matter. The phenomenon is marvelous, it is true, but it
is supported by evidence that we are not able to contest; and
skepticism, which is incompatible with science, will have to
disappear if rigorous observation shall confirm it. The toad
was observed, in one case, in the stone itself, and before
recovering from its long lethargy, it had not made any motion.
One of these toads was presented to an academy, with the stone
which had served it as a coffin or habitation, and it was
ascertained that the cavity seemed to correspond exactly with
the dimensions and form of the animal. It is remarkable that
these toad-stones are very hard and not at all porous, and
show no signs of fissure. The mind, completely baffled in the
presence of the fact, is equally embarrassed to explain how the
toad could live in its singular prison, and how it became shut
up there. M. Charles Richet had occasion to study this question
some months ago, and came to the conclusion that the fact
was real, observing that even if, in the actual condition of
science, certain phenomena were still inexplicable, we were not
warranted in denying their existence, for new discoveries might
at any time furnish an explanation of them. (Text.)--_Popular
Science Monthly._
(2147)
=Mystery of Regeneration=--See DISCERNMENT, LACK OF SPIRITUAL.